Erdogan's opponent, Ekrem Imamoglu, sentenced to jail

Reuters reports that Imamoglu, who is in prison pending trial since March, even on several other corruption-related charges, was sentenced to a year and eight months in prison for insulting and threatening Istanbul's general prosecutor. The prison sentence must be confirmed by two courts.

This is the second time Imamoglu has been convicted of insult to public officials. In 2022, he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for criticising election commission officials over the decision to cancel Istanbul's 2019 election, in which he had defeated the ruling AK Party candidate. He has appealed this decision but has not yet been considered. Imamoglu denies the accusations.

“I am fighting against abuse of justice and using it as a political tool. This is actually an insult to our nation,” was quoted as saying by broadcaster Halk TV and other Turkish media.

The 2022 sentence, if confirmed, can prevent Imamoglu from participating in the upcoming election. Istanbul University in March canceled Imamoglu's university degree without which he cannot run for president.

Since October last year, police have detained over 500 people, of whom more than 200 have been imprisoned pending trial, under investigation into municipalities led by the main opposition CHP party, which is Imamoglu's party.

The CHP denies allegations of corruption and describes them as a politicised government effort to eliminate electoral threats to Erdogan, an allegation the government denies.

Wednesday's court hearing was held at the court complex in Istanbul's Silivri district, a country often used for high-profile and politically sensitive trials, and where Imamoglu is currently being held. /Periscopi/